Train Service Resumes From NJ To NYC After Bridge Gets Stuck (UPDATE)

NEW JERSEY — A stuck bridge caused headaches for train commuters traveling from New Jersey to Penn Station New York on Thursday. The issue resulted in delays for NJ Transit and Amtrak riders alike.

Rail service resumed Thursday afternoon, with residual delays for trains already on their routes.

NJ Transit issued the following advisory for commuters at 11:24 a.m.:

“Rail service into and out of Penn Station New York is suspended due to Amtrak Portal Bridge being stuck in the open position. Midtown Direct service is being diverted to Hoboken. NJ Transit rail tickets and passes are being cross honored by PATH at Newark Penn Station, Hoboken, and 33rd St. New York.

NJ Transit advised riders to visit their website for info about available alternate service.

As of Thursday afternoon, NJ Transit listed active alerts for the following train lines: Main-Bergen County, Montclair-Boonton, Morris & Essex, Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Pascack Valley, Raritan Valley.

One rider reported on social media that an overflow of people were trying to get into the city via PATH trains in the wake of the malfunction, causing an “absolute clown show.”

“Remember that fares are going up 15 percent next year,” they commented.

• See Related: NJ Transit May Raise Fares 15% On July 1
• See Related: Controversial New Tax On Rich Corporations Would Boost NJ Transit

Meanwhile, Amtrak also reported delays due to the stuck bridge on Thursday.

The ailing Portal Bridge, which spans the Hackensack River from Secaucus to Kearny and is more than a century-old, has long been one of the most hated chokepoints on the Northeast Corridor, which serves NJ Transit and Amtrak trains.

• See related article: Tugboat Strike, NJ Train Delays Show Need For New Portal Bridge

Building a new Portal Bridge that will not have to open for river traffic is part of the much-hyped Gateway Program, which also includes building a new train tunnel between New Jersey and New York City.

• See Related: Work On Long-Awaited Gateway Tunnel Finally Begins In New Jersey
• See Related: Good News For One Of NJ's Most Hated Crossings: The Portal Bridge

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